Trump enters House chamber for State of the Union address
Donald Trump has entered the House chamber to deliver his State of the Union address. As he made his way to the podium, he greeted many attendees, shaking hands and listening to their remarks. Some lawmakers took the opportunity to pose for selfies with the president.
Trump shook hands with the Supreme Court justices present, including Amy Coney Barrett. Notably, on Friday, Trump criticized Barrett’s family for her concurring opinion that invalidated many of his tariffs, stating they should be “ashamed.”
Democratic Congressman Al Green, who was reprimanded last year for interrupting Trump’s address, was ejected from the House chamber after holding up a handwritten sign stating:
“Black people aren’t apes!”A Republican attempted to persuade Green to put the sign down, but Green refused. Senator Markwayne Mullin intervened, leading to a brief argument between the two.
At the start of his speech, Trump declared that the United States is “back,” describing it as “bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before.” He called this period “the golden age of America.” He criticized the Biden administration, claiming it inherited “a nation in crisis,” but asserted that his administration has “achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before.”
“It is indeed a turnaround for the ages,”
Chants of “USA, USA” erupted in the chamber as Trump began speaking.
First Lady Melania Trump entered the chamber to applause, followed by members of Trump’s cabinet and White House team. Several members of the president’s family, including daughter Ivanka Trump, were already seated for the address.
Four Supreme Court justices arrive for Trump's State of the Union address
Four Supreme Court justices—Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Elena Kagan, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and Justice Amy Coney Barrett—were present in the House chamber. Their attendance comes days after the court ruled many of Trump’s global tariffs illegal.
Trump arrives at the US Capitol
Donald Trump arrived at the US Capitol to address a joint session of Congress. The address occurs amid a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.
Following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents during the administration’s crackdown, Democratic lawmakers condemned tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Congressional members remain at an impasse over oversight measures for these agencies.
During the event, the crowd chanted “Abolish ICE! Abolish ICE!” as Senator Chris Murphy introduced Afghan refugee and immigrant advocate Fereshteh Ganjavi. Murphy explained his absence from the State of the Union, stating,
“these are not normal times, and Democrats have to stop behaving normally.”
Shortly after, a Trump supporter breached barricades and confronted Murphy on stage. An organizer removed the heckler amid boos from the crowd.
Host Joy Reid responded to the disruption, saying:
“Attention all Maga trolls: Your bullshit is not welcome here. We are here to hear the truth and to hear from impacted people.”
Counter rally to Trump's address begins
On the National Mall, hundreds gathered for the “People’s State of the Union,” a counter rally protesting President Trump’s address. Approximately 30 Democratic members of Congress attended. Protesters held signs reading “No Money for ICE” and “Healthcare Not Warfare.” One speaker displayed a large poster featuring photos of over 30 individuals killed in ICE-related incidents since Trump took office in 2025.
The event commenced about an hour before the president’s speech.
MoveOn’s executive director Katie Bethell, a co-organizer, told attendees the boycott was organized because
“we know that Donald Trump’s State of the Union will bear no resemblance to what’s actually happening in this country today.”
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson gavels the House into session as lawmakers enter the chamber. Vice President JD Vance greeted guests and members of Congress while taking his seat.
Trump leaves White House for US Capitol
Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump departed the White House for the US Capitol, a two-mile drive through Washington, DC.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson arrived for the address and will be seated next to the president, alongside Vice President JD Vance.
Trump to announce tech negotiations to curb datacenter electricity cost hikes
During his State of the Union speech, Trump is expected to introduce a “ratepayer protection pledges” plan aimed at shielding Americans from electricity price increases driven by rising demand from AI datacenters.
The White House stated that Trump negotiated agreements with technology companies, who have consented to cover increased electricity costs in areas where new datacenters are being built. However, environmental groups remain skeptical about the plan’s effectiveness in lowering consumer bills.
Mitch Jones, managing director of policy and litigation at the progressive environmental group Food and Water Watch, commented:
“Let’s be honest: big tech isn’t going to do anything for the benefit of anyone but itself.”
Trump had promised to halve electricity costs during his first year back in office, but the average US household paid nearly $116 more for electricity in 2025 than the previous year, a 6.7% increase, according to . In communities near datacenters, electricity prices rose even more—by as much as 267% compared with five years ago, a study found last year.
Jones stated the real solution is to pause AI expansion:
“With the Trump administration’s complete unwillingness to hold corporations accountable for any number of harmful impacts on society, it’s imperative we halt new datacenter construction now. We must take the time to truly study the full range of impacts of datacenters on our local communities – most certainly including the skyrocketing electricity rates already being thrust on families and small businesses – before determining not how, but if this industry can operate in a responsible way.
This is a big ‘if’, and right now no one – literally no one – knows if it is possible.”
Cabinet members arrive for Trump's State of the Union address
Photos show members of Donald Trump’s cabinet arriving at the US Capitol before the president’s address. They entered through Statuary Hall and proceeded to the House chamber.
Hours before the speech, the atmosphere inside the National Press Club for a major counter-event was tense and defiant.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who will deliver a rebuttal, told :
“I got into DC a few hours ago and got to this event just minutes ago. It’s full of people trying to stand up for democracy right now – angry about the trajectory of where our nation is going. They’re frustrated by the lack of abiding to the United States constitution.”
Frey highlighted concerns animating the event, including abortion rights, international tensions with Iran, and environmental protections. Hundreds attended as the event began.
Context and expectations for Trump's address
In 2025, Trump’s State of the Union lasted an hour and 40 minutes—the longest in US history—during which he discussed reducing the federal workforce, altering US foreign policy, and implementing a controversial trade agenda including extensive tariffs. He also referenced executive orders and actions taken early in his second term.
This year, despite facing growing disapproval on several fronts, Trump is expected to maintain that he is “making America great again.” He will likely address tariffs, which were recently challenged in court, as well as immigration and foreign policy.
The address may be lengthy; the official White House schedule indicates Trump is not expected to return to the White House until 11:30 p.m.
Major news networks will broadcast the address live, including livestreams on YouTube. will provide a live feed and fact-checking coverage.
Trump’s previous addresses rank among the longest in recent history. Bill Clinton’s 2000 address lasted 89 minutes, the second-longest, and his 1995 speech lasted 85 minutes. Trump’s 2019 and 2018 addresses were 82 and 81 minutes, respectively, placing him among the top five longest speakers.
